6 REASONS TO JOIN A MASTERS TEAM

by Ryan WoodFor those new to swimming, you may find that self-instruction is only getting you so far. If you're an adult, is it too late to join a swimming team, especially if you didn't establish any speed or technique in your younger years?

Not at all. In fact, more than 55,000 adults are members of U.S. Masters Swimming, an organization that oversees hundreds of Masters swim programs around the country. And no, don't be intimidated by the "Masters" label—it only means that you're over the age of 18.Joining a Masters group will benefit you about as much as you let it, depending on the amount of commitment you give. Many triathletes and open water swimmers who compete in events join Masters programs, while others join to compete in Masters swim meets. Many more, however, join but don't compete at all.A Structured ProgramMany of the Masters swim clubs/workout groups have a specific, structured program in place for each practice. The programs are written by knowledgeable swim coaches and they will help you build endurance and speed. They will also be intensive enough to push you outside of your comfort zone.So really, whatever your motivation to swim—triathlon training, open water swim races, or just staying healthy and fit—it pays to add some structure to your training sessions. Masters swim programs could be precisely the boost you need.CoachingSwimming is extremely hard to perfect without an outsider looking at your stroke. It's difficult to know where the flaws in your technique are without some coaching—in some cases, a lot of coaching.Going from zero to good swimmer takes time, and oftentimes correcting a stroke is an ongoing process. Some swimmers have multiple flaws in their stroke, errors that need to be addressed one at a time.For that reason, having a coach watching over you on a consistent basis will do wonders in cleaning up your flaws and getting you faster. Many Masters programs have a coach on deck, a definite plus for those looking to improve in the water.CompetitivenessNothing pushes you like a workout partner—and in the case of swimming, a lane partner or two.In many cases, you are sharing lanes at Masters workouts, often with swimmers who are similar in ability to you. Keeping up with their pace—and making sure you don't get lapped—is enough of a motivator to keep your intensity level high during the hour-plus workout. A little competition goes a long way.ConsistencyMany programs have a consistent practice time—for example, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 a.m.—which helps establish some consistency in your training and makes it harder to "not have the time" to get your workout in.Much like soccer practice when you were a kid, the Masters workouts usually have a set time, which makes it easy to plan your life around them if it's important to you.CamaraderieSwimming doesn't have to be lonely. Instead of showing up to the pool by yourself and chipping away at your workout, show up with a group of fellow swimmers and make some friends along the way. Swimming as a social sport is more fun than swimming as an individual sport.All-InclusiveIf you didn't swim on youth club teams or in high school, sharing a lane with a lifelong swimmer can be intimidating.At a typical Masters practice, though, participants typically get into lanes with other swimmers similar to their speed and fitness level. As the USMS website states, "You don't need to be in shape to start Masters swimming. Masters swimming will help you get there."

About the Author:Ryan Wood is an editor for Active.com. He enjoys a good ride and loves participating in endurance events throughout the year.